A contextual framework of day-care centers

Empirical research concerning early childhood socialization with regard to ecological perspectives is still in an early phase (cf. Dippelhofer-Stiem Br Wolf, 1997 a). Three different models of socialization in day care centers are described here in detail. Their applicability for practical work is discussed concentrating on the question whether concrete theoretical models can be constructed and utilized. Our considerations are mainly oriented on basic hypotheses of ecological perspectives in social sciences proposed, for example, by Dippelhofer-Stiem (1995) or Wolf(1995 a, 1995 b), stressing in this context fundamental but modified concepts of Bronfenbrenners systemic approach (1981).